December , 2022

The upstairs hallway radiating Christmas cheer!

Principal's Message

“I can tell you what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” ~ Linus

One of my favorite Christmas programs is A Charlie Brown Christmas. Charles Schulz, the creator, did such a superb job of reflecting childhood truths and human nature with his Peanuts characters. Linus is the philosopher, Lucy is the bossy one, Charlie Brown is the one who feels out of sync with his peers, and Snoopy is comic relief. The 1965 classic highlights how “commercial” Christmas can be and how the real meaning of the holiday can be dimmed by busy-ness and materialism.

Fortunately, here at St. Philip Neri Catholic School, we can maintain our focus on preparing our hearts and minds for the birth of the Christ child, the Light of the World. Every class is engaged in Advent lessons and activities to help us remember the reason for the season. Our annual Christmas Concert will be Thursday, December 15th, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Church. This is a mandatory event for all students in TK-8. Students should wear “nice free dress,” dress up and holiday outfits are encouraged (please reference The Parent Student Handbook pp.45, # 2. Nice Free Dress, no jeans, etc.). Students should be in their classrooms by 6:40 p.m. so we can begin the performance promptly at 7:00 p.m.

We have extended the Annual Fund’s Classroom Competition deadline for 100% family participation to this coming Friday, December 9. Some classes are so close to reaching their goal, and with everyone’s participation, every class can make it to 100%. Please contribute what you are able in order to help us meet our goal. Thank you in advance!

Adopt-a-Family donations are being accepted through Monday, December 12th. The recipients of your generosity will surely feel God’s love through your donations.

All of your thoughtful Advent efforts will make this Christmas very special!

Warmly,

Ms. Thomas

Focus on HOPE: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13

Health & Wellness Note: Please be vigilant in keeping students who are ill with active symptoms home. This is important in maintaining the health and wellness of our students and teachers. Attendance at school is important, but not when students are sick. Thank you for your cooperation!

Information and Updates

SPN 2022 Adopt-A-Family: Adopt-a-Family will conclude on Monday, December 12th. This year we are supporting the Pacifica Senior Living residence in San Leandro, Alameda Meals on Wheels, and the Welcome a Stranger project. Please see the list below for how each grade level can contribute to this year’s Adopt-a-Family program. Participation is optional. Your generosity is so appreciated!

Grades Preschool through Grade 2: Please bring in a gift-wrapped pair of warm socks or a winter scarf for a senior resident at Pacifica Senior Living in San Leandro. Please label size/gender if applicable.
Grades 3-7: Please bring in grocery store gift cards for Meals on Wheels and/or a gift-wrapped pair of warm socks or a winter scarf. Please label size/gender if applicable.
Grade 8: For the Nori Family, a family of 8, specific details of the family’s wish list has been emailed to you by your room parents.

All School Mass this Thursday: SPN students will be attending Mass at 9:30a.m. this Thursday, December 8th. They should be wearing their full uniform.
Holiday COVID Test Kit Distribution: We will distribute a COVID test kit to each student on Tuesday, December 13th. Each kit contains two COVID tests. Please plan to test your student(s) on Monday, January 2nd and submit a photo of the results to Mr. Carter (mcarter@csdo.org). We hope to ensure a safe return for all students and staff on Tuesday, January 3rd!
Breakfast with Santa, Sunday, December 11th: Registration deadline extended to tomorrow, Wednesday, December 7th. Click here for tickets and see below for flyer.
The SPN Family Directory has arrived: Our SPN hard copy school directory will be sent home this week. Each household will get one copy - sent home with the oldest child of the family. Please be assured that this information is not shared with outside organizations.
Looking for a past newsletter? Check out our Newsletter Archives on our website.
Volunteering at SPN: Interested in volunteering? Need to log your hours? Here's what you'll need for the 2022-23 school year. View the SPN Volunteer Requirements here. After volunteering, log your hours using the Volunteer Hours Log Sheet. Thanks for your time!
COVID Update: There have been three new COVID cases at SPN since Tuesday, November 29, 2022.